For certifying bodies, the mission behind Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is clear – to ensure professionals stay current and confident in their practice. But delivering that mission in a way that truly resonates with certificants? That’s the real challenge.
As the expectations on today’s professionals grow, and learning habits shift to a more digital approach, MOC programs must evolve. We need to explore smarter, more sustainable solutions that can reduce administrative strain and deliver more meaningful outcomes.
This blog explores what’s working, what’s not, and how AI-driven tools can help elevate MOC for the future.
What’s holding Maintenance of Certification back?
The organizations we work with care deeply about professional development. However, many of the current tools and structures used in MOC struggle to keep pace with how professionals learn, what they need from a certification program, or changes in the industry. The common friction points we see are:
- Limited relevance for specialists: Many MOC assessments are generalized, making it difficult for seasoned practitioners in niche areas to demonstrate their true expertise.
- Ongoing content pressure: Keeping MOC content fresh, relevant, and compliant with the latest guidelines is a never-ending effort for program teams.
- Missed opportunities for learning: Often, MOC assessments focus on scoring rather than growth. Professionals take a test, pass or fail, and move on, with little feedback or opportunity to improve.
- Low engagement with traditional formats: Webinars, conference sessions, and one-size-fits-all modules often feel like ‘check-the-box’ tasks, rather than learning opportunities.
These issues reflect the need for more flexible, tailored tools that can support evolving goals.
A smarter, more adaptive approach
This is where AI-assisted content generation and learning technologies can offer a real breakthrough. Not by replacing the expert judgment of program teams, but by enhancing what they’re already doing, and helping scale that work in smarter ways. Here’s are just some examples of what that can look like:
- Dynamic content libraries: AI tools can help build and maintain content that evolves automatically alongside trusted resources. That means less manual effort and more timely updates, without sacrificing quality or oversight.
- Tailored assessments: AI can generate test items based on specific blueprints and specializations, so assessments better reflect real-world expertise. For professionals, that translates to more meaningful, relevant evaluations.
- Personalized study paths: Instead of static modules, AI can create individual ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ study sessions that track response confidence, times, and learning styles. Professionals get real-time personalized feedback, making the MOC experience more interactive and developmental.
This isn’t about adding bells and whistles, it’s about turning MOC into something more than a moment in time. With the right tools, MOC becomes a journey of ongoing professional growth.
What to look for in AI solutions for MOC
Of course, implementing new technology isn’t without its considerations. Certifying bodies need to feel confident that the solutions they choose will meet their unique needs and standards. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Customisation is key: AI tools should work within your framework, not the other way around. That means aligning with your rubrics, blueprints, and approved materials. No generic content or shortcuts.
- Trusted sources only: All learning materials and assessments should draw from verified, approved content. It’s critical that any AI-generated material reflects the standards and scope of your program.
- Consistent user experience: For certificants, the entire experience should feel seamless and on-brand. From the look and feel of the platform to the tone of the feedback, everything should reflect your organization’s voice and credibility.
The good news? These expectations are achievable. The right partners will welcome co-creation, transparency, and customization from day one.
Let’s keep the conversation going
We believe that MOC can be more than a requirement. It can be a valuable, engaging part of a professional development journey. But it takes the right tools, and the right mindset, to make that vision a reality.
If you’re exploring ways to enhance your MOC program, or just want to see what’s possible, we’d love to connect.
PSI will be at the Certification Network Group (CNG) event in Chicago on 14 May 2025, and we’re looking forward to some great conversations. Let’s talk about how AI can support the goals you already care about, while saving time and boosting engagement.